Hawes & Curtis has opened a new store in the City
(Picture: hawes & curtis)Two fashion firms have demonstrated a vote of confidence in central London remaining an attractive place for shoppers post-pandemic, by investing in new stores.
Hawes & Curtis, the suit seller led by Dragons’ Den star Touker Suleyman, has just opened its 15th branch at a site on Fenchurch Street. That comes despite footfall in the City still not being at pre-Covid levels.
The formalwear sector suffered last year as scores of people worked from home and many social events were cancelled.
But Edward Smith, head of brand and operations for Hawes & Curtis, said demand has increased in the City as “many people are returning to offices and are needing a formal look.” He also pointed to more social events coming back.
The 3,576 square feet store is the firm’s second largest after its Jermyn Street branch.
Elsewhere landlord Howard de Walden Estate said it has recently signed French menswear label Fursac, for a 2,090 square feet site on Marylebone High Street.
The shop is due to open in the Autumn.
In the high street jewellery sector, Pandora, known for its charm bracelets, said it had a “strong performance” in the second quarter.
It recorded 13% organic growth from the same period pre-pandemic in 2019.
Pandora pointed to US growth leading the way, but it also saw improvements in European markets as lockdowns eased.
